'Unbreakable' 2016 Toyota HiLux reveals softer side

WEARING more elegant styling cues and promising more car-like driving characteristics, Australia got its first look at the new Toyota HiLux ute today which will go on sale in October.

It will be the first all-new HiLux in a decade, and Toyota is promising a family-oriented vehicle with improved comfort levels along with an improved 3.5-tonne towing capacity, larger fuel tank (80 litres), payload of up to 1240kg and a stronger frame.

2015 Toyota HiLux:
Toyota has revealed the 2015 HiLux which will arrive in Australia in October.

Four engine choices will be available - two turbo diesels and two petrol units.

Toyota's new 1GD engine is a 2.8-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel which has a smaller capacity than the powerplant it replaces, but torque has increased by up to 25% with a maximum of 450Nm available over 1600-2400rpm. Power is up 4kW to a peak of 130kW at 3400rpm.

The primary engine for 2x4 variants will be the new 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, with "up to" 400Nm from 1600-2000rpm and maximum power of 110kW at 3400rpm.

There will be more HiLux variants on offer, growing from 23 to 31, with single, extra and double body styles and three equipment grades (WorkMate, SR and SR5).

Among the new additions are "Hi-Rider" two-wheel drive variants, which feature improved ground clearance but don't have 4x4 capability.

Pricing was not revealed and neither was specification, but it was confirmed air con, cruise control and power mirrors will be standard fare.

Inside the HiLux there is more front shoulder and head room, greater range of seat height adjustment, along with extra knee room in the back of double cab models.